Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

In photography, what do the colors in a photograph reference?

1. The colors of the subject

2. The photographer's preferred colors

3. The colors of the environment

4. Colors of the film used

The correct answer is: The colors of the subject

The colors in a photograph predominantly reference the colors of the subject being captured. This is essential in photography as it contributes significantly to the overall composition, mood, and impact of the image. When a photographer selects a subject, the colors present help convey emotion, highlight specific features, and engage the viewer. Capturing the accurate colors of the subject is fundamental for realistic representation and artistic expression. This could include the natural colors of a person's skin, the hues of a flower, or the tones in a landscape. Each of these components interacts with light, which further influences how colors are perceived in the photograph. While other elements, such as the environment or the type of film used, can influence the final image, the primary reference for the colors in a photograph remains the subject itself. The photographer's personal preferences related to color can also play a role, but they do not serve as a direct reference for the colors depicted in the photograph.